Trinity: Bride of West Virginia (Amercan Mail-Order Bride 35) by Carré White Read Free Book Online

felt Nathanial’s eyes on me, the effect like sipping champagne, the bubbles bursting in my belly, flooding me with pleasure.
    “That’s a lovely dress,” gushed Mrs. Barney.
    “No,” murmured Nathanial. “That’s a beautiful woman.”

Chapter Seven
     
     
    As I prepared for the evening ahead, sitting before a mirror at a dressing table near the windows, I gazed at myself in disbelief. One of the maids, Penny, fixed my hair, curling it around my face and gathering the brown locks at the back. A small tin of pomade made of beeswax, olive oil, and rose oil, had been applied to my lips, giving them a glossy sheen.
    “Are you happy with it?” asked Penny, smiling at me in the mirror.
    “It’s a dream.”
    “Beg your pardon?”
    “I feel like I’m in a fairytale. I’ve never worn anything so … fine. I’ve never looked like this.” Who was this woman who stared at me with wide, expectant eyes? Three days ago I had been in a shabby boarding house in Lawrence, eating a raw potato and half a carrot, waiting to meet my husband.
    “Would you like more curls, Madam?”
    “No. You’ve done a wonderful job.” I glanced at her over my shoulder, seeing a woman of color in a black dress and white apron. “Thank you, Penny. You’ve been very helpful.”
    “It’s my pleasure, Madam.” She curtsied, bowing her head slightly. “Is there anything else you require? Shall I polish your shoes?”
    “No, they’re new. They’re fine. I’m perfectly fine.”
    “May I bring you some tea? Supper won’t be for hours.”
    People had been to the house all day, floral arrangements arriving, the caterers cooking food. It smelled heavenly with the sounds of a violin playing. Nathanial indulged himself with music, and I adored listening to him play, although I was a floor away.
    “Tea would be nice. Something to tide me over until later.”
    “Yes, Madam.”
    A knock sounded at the door. “My dear, are you presentable?”
    I glanced at Penny. “It’s my husband.” I hadn’t seen Mr. Witherspoon all day.
    “I’ll go directly.” She hurried for the door, which revealed a man dressed in a dark tailcoat and trousers, his hair combed back.
    I got to my feet, facing my husband, realizing just how similar his eyes were to Nathanial’s. A slightly ruddy complexion graced his cheeks, his jowls fleshy.
    “Hello,” I said, feeling oddly shy. Memories of the night before flittered into my mind. We had been intimate … strangers joining in the dark. I wondered how I would feel today about it, worried I might feel revulsion at the sight of him, but I didn’t, thankfully. “Nathanial chose this dress.”
    Grasping the cane, he ambled into the room, smiling. “His tastes are impeccable. You look divine. A true vision, my dear.”
    That gladdened me. “I’m happy you approve.”
    “There is something missing, though.”
    My smile fell. “What did I forget?” I had come home with a dozen bags and several hatboxes. A few garments needed minor tailoring, and they would arrive in the next few days.
    From the pocket in his coat, he produced a long, thin, velvet box. “Come sit down, Trinity. Let’s see how this looks on you. It belonged to my late wife.” Something cool went around my neck, clasping at the back.
    I glanced at myself, seeing diamonds and pearls created in an artful garland style with a center motif featuring a large pearl drop. My mouth fell open. “My stars!”
    “There we are.” He grinned with satisfaction. “That is the finishing touch, although you hardly needed embellishment. Now you’re ready to greet our guests.”
    I glanced at him over my shoulder. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
    “It’s but a small token of my appreciation. You’ve made me a very happy man, my dear. You’re far more than I’d hoped for.”
    Getting to my feet, I stood taller now by an inch because of the shoes I wore. “You’ve been very generous, sir. I worried I might’ve overspent today.”
    “I never saw the